Search:

Metalmite – Machine Shop Service Blog

World Class Quality, Service and Delivery at the right price!

About Us

Welcome to our Blog! As a full-service machine shop we manufacture, modify, and repair prototype and production parts for a wide variety of clients. What makes us different? For the past 41 years we have pursued manufacturing perfection with a precise mix of quality, service, delivery and price!

Military JLTV Program is moving forward

JLTV-GDYNAMUS Dept of Defense has issued continuing contracts for the JLTV, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. A program to develop a new family of light tactical vehicles for Army, Marine Corps and special operations forces is moving ahead at full steam, almost halfway through its technology development phase.

The joint light tactical vehicle is an Army, Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Command program to replace the Humvee with a family of higher-performing, more survivable vehicles able to carry greater payloads, said Kevin Fahey, Army program executive officer for combat support and combat service support during a recent interview. The goal, he explained, is to fill a critical capabilities gap while developing a family of vehicles capable of performing multiple missions and sharing common components.

The Army, lead agent for the program, announced just over a year ago that it had awarded three contracts valued at about 6 million for the program’s 27-month technology development phase. The three contractors are BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Ground Systems Division; General Tactical Vehicles, a joint venture between General Dynamics Land Systems and AM General and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration.

Metalmite Corporation has been a key prototype machine shop for many of these components. Although we are not at liberty to discuss any specifics, let us say that the addition 5 Axis Machining has really helped to speed up deliveries. As a Prime Contractor for the Department of Defense and as a sub for larger Prime’s, Metalmite has postioned themselves to be a critical player in the CNC machine shop service area. In general the turnaround required would not be possible without CNC machining. Stay tuned for the new, faster, lighter, and more precise military vehicles to come!

Tags: , , ,

24.Nov.09 5-Axis Machining, Uncategorized, cnc manufacturing Comments (0)

Metalmite’s Job Tracker Software

JOBTRACKER 005

Machine Shop Job Tracker Software

Metalmite Corporation is continually seeking to use the latest technology. It is important to be on the cutting edge of technology and process improvement. While making a substantial investment in the CNC machine and Wire EDM capabilities, Metalmite Corporation struggled to manage its front office business with “off-the-shelf” software packages. These applications were used to write up jobs, track work flow, and invoice customers. Metalmite also had to archive documents, track quotes, and generate shipping documentation. In some cases, there were three to five different packages where information was stored. A few years ago the senior management Metalmite decided it was time to design, build and incorporate a ground-up software that would integrate all of these needs. After a few considerations, Software Designer and IT Consultant Matthew Cotterman was brought in to organize and complete the project. As major ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and SCM (Supply Chain Management) software platforms were examined, the team gleaned from what they liked and removed what seemed cumbersome and unproductive. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a term usually used in conjunction with ERP software or an ERP system which is intended to manage all the information and functions of a business or company from shared data stores. An ERP system typically has modular hardware and software units and “services” that communicate on a local area network.

As a CNC Machine Shop that knows that “time is money” the software for first and foremost to be fast and efficient. Matthew Cotterman worked feverishly for months to take out unnecessary steps and draw the databases together seamlessly. This resulted in a simple program that is accessed through a web browser on any PC in the shop that can search by any aspect of a job- customer, part number, material, buyers name, or even dates run or quantity ordered. When the matching jobs show on the screen one click allows the user to see all documentation involved with this job. These documents can then be printed, e-mailed, or simply reviewed at that moment. The new software also allowed us to streamline quoting and analyze profitability.

“The goal is to listen to the client,” said Matthew. “They know how to run their business. I have to understand how the client does business and mold the software around that. It must be quick and efficient. The software should do as many of the mundane as well as complicated tasks as possible. Above all, the system should reduce the amount of time and effort required to run the business. That way, the software pays for itself.”

Metalmite Office Manager Tina noted, “Our customer’s have been so impressed with our system that we often get calls asking us to look up old information or drawings and e-mail it to them, when we ask why they say it is because their system is too difficult to work with and take too long to respond!” As Metalmite works hard to stay current with high speed machining, Wire EDM technology, and 5 Axis Machining, they find it only logical that their software be just as cutting edge.

Tags: , , ,

12.Oct.09 5-Axis Machining, CNC Machine Shop Software, General News, Uncategorized, cnc manufacturing Comment (1)

Saving Time and Money for our Customers

LarryBinkowskiphotoMetalmite has worked very hard to save time and money for their customers over the years. Everything from adding 5 axis machining to CNC screw machining centers that have decreased our leadtime by half.  On this job in the picture we have manufactured these aluminum plates for over 10 years. The original setup was on 3 seperate CNC Machining centers with 3 serperate operator’s. After a few years of having the job repeat, we were able to maximize our CNC Manufacturing procedure’s. We currently use one CNC Machining center and have 3 separate clamp systems that hold the the part through the 3 separate operations. As a one stop machine shop we work hard to save time and money for our customers. We have used several methods learned from our high speed milling techniques that have further increased our efficiency as well. The part has decreased in cost by 50% to our customer and they are thrilled with the results during these trying times.  Metalmite works hard to offer World Class Quality, Service, and Delivery at the RIGHT Price!

Tags: , ,

28.Sep.09 5-Axis Machining, 6 Axis Turning & Milling, High-Speed Milling, Uncategorized, cnc manufacturing Comments (0)

Follow us on Twitter

Posting tweet...

Recent Posts

© Copyright Metalmite – Machine Shop Service Blog ::  RSS Feed